Module 5: Personality Psychology
5.1. Theories of personality

Personality psychology is a field of psychology that studies individual differences in the behavior, character, and mental characteristics of each individual. Here are some key aspects of this discipline:

1.   Personality theories: There are many theories that explain how personality is formed. Some of these include Freud's theory of personality structure, Big Five's theory of personality traits, and many others.

2.   Personality Traits: Personality traits are stable personality characteristics such as extraversion, neuroticism, responsibility, and friendliness. They help us understand which people are more likely to engage in certain behaviors.

3.   Personality Development: Psychologists also study how a person develops over time. This includes childhood development, adolescence, and adulthood.

4.   Psychological disorders: Personality research is also associated with the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders.

5.   Research methods: Psychologists use various methods, such as questionnaires, observation, and neuroimaging, to study personality and its characteristics.

Personality theories are systems of concepts that help explain why people behave the way they do and why they are unique. In this lecture, we will look at several well-known personality theories, the researchers who developed them, and examples of their application.

Z's theory of personality. Freud

Sigmund Freud was an Austrian psychoanalyst who developed a theory of personality known as psychoanalysis. His theory consists of three main components:

1.   Id: This is the primary and unconscious aspect of the individual. Id seeks to satisfy basic instincts such as hunger, sexual desire, and aggression. It operates on the principle of pleasure, striving for instant satisfaction of needs.

2.   Ego: The ego develops to manage and mediate between the demands of the ID and reality. The ego operates on the principle of reality, trying to find a compromise between the desires of the id and the opportunities provided by the surrounding world.

3.   Superego: The superego represents the norms and values that an individual has learned from their parents and society. It represents the moral aspects of the individual and challenges the individual to comply with rules and regulations.

Freud also described a number of personality structures, such as the Ego, Id, and Superego. He argued that conflicts between these components can lead to various psychological problems.

Example: Imagine a situation where a person feels a strong internal tension due to the desire to eat a cake (id), but his superego forbids it because of the diet. The ego, in this case, tries to find a balance, perhaps allowing itself to eat half a cake in order to comply with the rules and satisfy the desire.

Freud was one of the first researchers to study the influence of unconscious processes on behavior and personality psychology. His work has had a significant impact on psychology and psychotherapy.

K. Rogers ' Theory of Personality

Carl Rogers was a prominent American psychologist known for his theory of client-centered therapy. He believed that a person strives for self-realization and a better "I". Central concepts include understanding, acceptance, and truth. Rogers believed that support and unbiased acceptance from the therapist fostered inner growth.

Example: In Rogers psychotherapy, the therapist creates an environment where the client can express their true identity and achieve a better version of themselves.

B.F. Skinner's Theory of Personality

The personality theory of B. F. Skinner, a well-known exponent of behavioral psychology, emphasizes the influence of external stimuli and rewards on personality formation. He believed that a person's behavior is determined by their experience and training.

Example: Consider the situation in the context of Skinner's theory. If a child receives praise and a reward (such as candy) after they finish their homework, this may increase their motivation to complete tasks in the future. In this case, the reward (candy) serves as some external stimulus that affects his behavior.

According to Skinner's theory, such external rewards and punishments can shape and modify behavior and, consequently, influence a person's personality.

A. Bandura's theory of personality

Albert Bandura introduced social learning theory, also known as social cognitive learning theory. According to this theory, personality is formed through the interaction between cognitive processes, the environment, and observation of other people. The main elements of A. Bandura's theory include:

1.   Observation: People can gain knowledge and experience by observing the actions and behaviors of others.

2.   Modeling: People can model or imitate the behavior of others, especially if they see that this behavior is rewarded or punished.

3.   Self-regulation: The individual actively participates in the process of setting their own goals, evaluating their own abilities, and regulating their behavior.

Example: If a child sees his older brother doing well in school and receives positive feedback from his parents, the child may be motivated to repeat this behavior. He or she witnesses the modeling of a successful pattern and learns through observation how to achieve the same success. This process corresponds to A. Bandura's theory of personality.

E. Erikson's theory of Personality

E. Erickson's theory of personality, also known as the "theory of psychosocial development", is a development of stages of human development throughout life. Erickson identified eight stages, each of which is associated with certain conflicts and tasks, the resolution of which affects personal development.

Example: A teenager (12-18 years old) is in an Erickson stage called "identity crisis versus absent-mindedness role". During this period, the teenager faces questions about his identity, who he is and what role he plays in society. If a teenager successfully resolves this crisis, they develop a sense of their own identity and place in the world. For example, a teenager may decide that they want to become an artist and start developing their creative skills, which contributes to their personal growth. Otherwise, it is possible to search for identity and a period of absent-mindedness, when a teenager has difficulty determining their values and goals.